On 2008-06-18 19:06, Benzart wrote:Robin, I Sure hope you are still able to carve some while you are on this trip. I Think We are Ready for you to come home as we miss you around here!!!, C'Mon Home Girl!

Well geez!!!! I actually managed to get online and finally have time to drop by. I have checked TC very infrequently I'm sorry to say, but today I have time and a connection. The story is to long to tell but here are some pictures.

The Jade Quest so far was not so good. I went straight to the jade fields around Lander and Riverton, but all I got was....'well when I was a kid'....there used to be.....my parents would....rock shops closed...etc etc etc. I suppose you need to stop in the bigger cities now, or have some other connections. I did find one rock shop and drove 125 miles back to pick up a few pieces. I didn't really like the guy and his prices were very inflated, and he didn't know what he was talking about. Soooo.....I am for sure going to the Big Sur Jade Festival this year, and if I ever have time will go up the coast from Seattle....I've seen some ads for rock shops...so maybe something will happen. I remember from my time in NZ that the jade finds you....I'm going with that.

Boy I can't tell you how happy it makes me that you still think of me...it's been a long time. When I have been online, I have sometimes been able to quickly have a look at the work that is done here, but no time to post.

Here's the story....I was on my way to one job in Washington when I got another call from the State Parks and was offered a job as caretaker on Hope Island. It's in the South Puget Sound. It's 106 acres...formerly an old homestead. I got a cabin, an orchard,grapes, a boat I had to learn to operate (16'Almar/75hp Merc!!!) on a mooring I row back and forth too, a garden chest high in thistles when I got here, trail maintenance, invasive weeds to pull and on and on. I also have seals and otters and deer and eagles and porcupine! Lots of fat raccoons. Mt Ranier on one side of me, and the Olympic Mts. on the other.I have been very busy....oh, and no power or water. Solar in the cabin, and I have to haul water to drink, and there is a windmill to irrigate the garden. If there is no wind, I have to do curls....I've done a lot of curls. It has been the Washington State Parks summer buff out program. No internet, limited phone service. It's great....drop dead gorgeous.

Not much time or energy for carving, but it's coming!!!! Things are settling down a bit, and the season is winding down. They have asked me to stay on longer so I'll have less to do and more energy....keep your fingers crossed.

Rest assured you are in my thoughts, and I am jealous of all your beautiful work!!! Damn I've missed TC.

So Benz....so good of you to keep me in your thoughts.

Hi Mooney!

Hey Benella.

BABALU!!!!!

Seeks...I'm in your neck of the woods, come visit.

GreenCarvings....about 6 weeks actually...did we meet at Steve's?

Kiwishaman....glad to see you're back.

What's up GMan, TF1, Conga, Timid, JP.

Paipo and Tama....speechless here...I have really missed seeing what you guys are doing. All you guys.

ROBIN!!?? Welcome Back even if it is for the day, it's So GREAT to Hear from you and see your Fantastic photos. Of course you have All of TC Super Envious after seeing those pictures,, WOW! I'm Hoping you continue to have your fun out there on your own Pacific Island, by yourself, without us in all that Beauty, just don't come back all religious and stuff (Just Said the word, not discussing it!) Girl, we REALLY MISS you!
Have a great trip, but Git on Home now!
HAPPYHAPPYHAPPYand one more HAPPY
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